The radio consist of an online radio and videos and podcast. And the radio was created by me and some friends.The online radio is for music sharing. And the videos and podcast for humouristic purposes.

You cannot broadcast any copyrighted song just like that. Have a look at an original music CD and you'll see something like the following:Unauthorized copying, reproduction, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this recording is prohibited.

It depends on what you're broadcasting. If you're broadcasting performances that are out of copyright (public domain) or you're casting material whose copyright holders allow you to do this kind of activity, you're fine.

Keep in mind that you're treading on legal thin ice if you're casting copyright-protected content from major record labels. Example: casting the latest album of Lady GaGa without an appropriate license and without paying royalties can be illegal. Some people do it and don't land in trouble because their radio does not attract lots of listeners and do not cause a perceived "profit loss" by the record labels. Would Universal Music go after you because you have a radio station that gets listened to by 50 people? Unlikely I'd say but they can shake you down if they want to. To be in the clear you must obtain your music legally and pay royalties and/or get the appropriate license. Or you can cast your own original creations or cast performances by artists who allow their work to be broadcast without royalties etc.

A few years ago, Radio Moris landed in some legal matters initiated by MASA. If I remember well, they were casting sega without paying MASA fees. As far as I remmeber, nothing was done because the server streaming the content was outside Mauritius, hence outside the jurisdiction of Mauritius courts.

lol what you guys cant understand is that there are tons of radio there with millions of listeners every day broadcasting copyrighted materials for over 3 years now and hasnt got any problem. There is no way a simple radio which cant even support over 1000 users be the concern of authorities. These kind of webradio is virtually invisible on the internet.

You guys uses pirated copy of windows and crack versions of games. Tell me how can you think this is less damaging to the industry than broadcasting songs on a radio where all of them are already available for free on youtube????

Vinesh, you should re-read what I wrote earlier. Does it occur to you that the most popular streaming stations out there actually have a license and are paying royalties to cast?

The reasons why streaming stations don't get into legal trouble are various. They are too insignificant or they are located in countries which do not care much or they're casting content whose copyright holders don't really care.

Also, please do not assume everyone on this board uses a pirated copy of Windows. As far as youtube is concerned, I guess you never came across a song that was replaced with a youtube placeholder saying "This video contains content from EMI and was blocked on copyright grounds"?

I am not discussing whether its right or wrong. I am about whether it might be against the law or not.

simpleguy wrote: As far as youtube is concerned, I guess you never came across a song that was replaced with a youtube placeholder saying "This video contains content from EMI and was blocked on copyright grounds"?

And you will see the song being reuploaded in a few secs by various uploaders!!

Am out of here. All i can say is that all of you are just people who are way too scared of the law and dont really know how things works on the net. You know that you can go to prison by just using a copy of windows but still everyone use it have you ever wondered why??

Once again, you need to stop assuming everyone uses a pirated version of Windows. You have completely missed the whole point of the thread. It was about whether it was legal to run a streaming radio station on the Internet. I explained when it was illegal and when it was not and when you *could* land into trouble. The whole thread went over your head or you were not paying attention.

Luvish, if you're using a legit streaming service that provides you a large collection of content for which they have paid royalties or have rights to, go ahead and enjoy!